Why Wouldn’t A Small Business Have a Website?

With the Yellow Pages largely a relic of the past, and consumers who rely on their mobile device for the answers to everything from “Where is the nearest taco truck?” to “Where can I buy fishing lures?” or “Best reviews of accounting firms in St. Louis,” having a website would seem as essential as having a phone number.

Not so, according to a recent report from Clutch, which found that nearly half of small businesses still don’t have a business website. Some rely on social media accounts to fill the need, but even that reasoning is only cited by 11 percent of those responding.

Relevance and cost are the primary reasons cited for not putting a website into play. (Find the complete report here.)

Personally, I think it would be hard to argue that a website isn’t relevant to any industry, with the majority of consumers—both personal consumers and B2B purchase decision-makers—turning to the web first to find information about products and services.

On a positive note, many of those small businesses that already have websites are focused on using them more effectively, through SEO efforts, social engagement and content.

Here are some of the essentials any business website should have: 25 Website Must-Haves For Driving Traffic, Leads & Sales.

And a handy way to get started on SEO efforts: On-Page SEO Planning Template.

Learn more about why I believe an effective website is an essential part of any business’s marketing plan, and how to create a small business site that is ready to grow with your business by downloading the JONES Website Solution or requesting a free 45-minute website consultation.